WHAT IS FOCUS?
What is FOCUS?
Focus On Completing Undergraduate Studies (FOCUS) is for adult learners who wish to complete a Bachelors Degree.
I have never been to college before. Am I able to participate in this program? Yes.
For all students enrolled in FOCUS with fewer than 75 quarter hours, admission status would be to the university but not to the major (ABS, HCL, BSM and BSMIS) until they have earned the 90 quarter hours to begin their major. When the students have achieved 75-quarter hours they should contact the Admissions Office and apply for admission into the major. The ABS and the HCL degree completion majors are offered through the College of Arts and Sciences. The BSM and the BSMIS are offered through the College of Management and Business.
The first time I was in college was a very long time ago. Those credit hours couldn’t possibly transfer, could they?
Yes, many of your credits earned through an accredited institution of higher learning will be able to count towards your completion degree. Your academic advisor will work with you to check your transcripts for a distribution of those credits and for any possible deficiencies that you will make up through academic planning.
Will I be able to successfully complete college level courses?
Prior to taking any FOCUS courses, the Center for Academic Development can help to determine your present level of knowledge and likely future level of success in reading, writing, and math. As a result of those assessments your academic advisor can best determine which courses you will need in order for you to receive your bachelors degree. The degree completion program you choose, as well as any previously taken accredited college courses that are transferable to National Louis are other factors that are taken into consideration by your academic advisor when putting together your personal success plan.
I already have enough credit hours to enroll in the ABS, (or HCL, or BSM or BSMIS) Program, but my initial advising session showed that I did not have specific general education courses that the State of Illinois requires in order for me to complete an undergraduate program. Can FOCUS help me?
That is a good question. A student can have the required number of credit hours to be accepted in their major program, yetnot have the required general education courses necessary to receive a bachelors degree. As you are taking the classes that are part of your major, you can simultaneously take the FOCUS courses that will cover those specific deficiencies.
How do I know which general education classes I will need to complete my degree?
You should submit copies of all of your college course records to our Credentials Analysts for review. Please call the Registrar's Office at x5718 for information.
I already know that I want to go into a masters program after receiving my bachelor’s degree. Are there other considerations that I should be aware in working with an advisor?
Your undergraduate advisor will tell you what courses you need to take in order to cover any deficiencies that will keep you from earning your bachelors degree.
There may be more appropriate courses that a master’s advisor can suggest, that will satisfy both the undergraduate deficiency and better prepare you for your intended masters degree. Some master's programs require additional prerequisites beyond the batchelor's requirements, please contact the graduate program advisor for additional information.
What makes this experience unique?
The classes are offered in an accelerated format. To fit into the busy schedule of working adults, they meet one night per week.
What does accelerated mean?
Each course runs approximately two to six weeks, rather that the 10 to 12 weeks of a regular university course. Class attendance is imperative due to the highly interactive nature of the classes and students must take an active role in the learning process. Most of the courses are writing intensive, requiring a variety of written work to be submitted throughout the term.
That scares me. My writing skills are pretty rusty. What if I don’t write good enough?
Your success is very important to us. The Center for Academic Development and the Adult Continuing Literacy Department provide many ways to help you achieve your goals as an efficient, independent learner.
Are there other ways besides FOCUS courses for me to get additional credit hours? Is there a way to get credit for some of this “life experience” that we older students have?
The Assessment Center, located at our Lislelocation, has several other opportunities for you to get the additional credit hours you need. Here are some of the possibilities.
Am I eligible for Financial Aid?
All students, if they are interested in obtaining Financial Aid, must fill out the FAFSA form, available in the Financial Aid Office or on line at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. To be eligible for the full scope that Financial Aid offers you must be registered as a fulltime student taking a minimum of 12 credit hours. Some options are still available if you are registered as a half time student with no less than 6 credit hours. It is important to remember that if you are awarded financial aid as a full time student, and your status changes to less than fulltime, due to either classes being cancelled or you dropping classes, your financial aid must also be adjusted.
At National-Louis we are committed to you realizing your dreams. We have attempted to make the roadmap to your success an easy one to follow. Your first step as an adult student is to apply to the university. Upon acceptance, you should set up an appointment with the Center for Academic Development for general skill assessment. That helpful information, along with your transcripts from any previous colleges or universities (if applicable) will be directed to your Academic Advisor, who in turn will help you register for your classes. While this is all happening, fill out the forms for financial aid and get that ball rolling. (See question – Am I eligible for Financial Aid?) Now, you are on your way!
